10 things to do for $10 in Denver this weekend (5 free!), December 20-22

If you're not yet in the holiday spirit, this weekend will get you there. Denver's stocking is stuffed with festive events, from Santa conventions to Christmas tuba concerts to holiday burlesque, and none of these activities will cost you more than $10. Check out the Westword calendar for more events, and share information on any bargain entertainments we may have missed in the comments section below.

The Night Fair Before Christmas at the Parkside Mansion (Friday, $5 donation) Enjoy local culture and get in some last-minute holiday shopping today at Urban Cipher's holiday extravaganza, where you can listen to improv music from FAST4WRD, make crafts, snack and pick up unique gifts from local vendors.

Member Show at Pirate: Contemporary Art (Friday, free) Not every event is holiday-themed this weekend. But Pirate's 34th annual member showcase is definitely reason to celebrate. Enjoy art as well as the camaraderie produced by this long-time co-op.

Twelve 1/2 Days of Xmas Live at MCA Denver (Friday-Sunday, $8) All weekend, performers will be taking over the MCA's atrium as part of its Twelve 1/2 Days of Xmas Live celebration. Today will bring a burlesque-inspired go-go dance from Gigi D'Lovely, Saturday an Off Center holiday movie-themed improv show, and Sunday the daydreams of a pianist recreated in black and white. See the performances while you enjoy a cocktail and browse the MCA's exhibits.

The Hope of Christmas at the Palmer Ridge High School Auditorium (Friday-Sunday, by donation) Tis the season for holiday music, and you can enjoy classic tunes all weekend at Palmer Ridge High School. The Tri-Lakes Music Association Choir and Orchestra will continue its annual tradition of live performances of Christmas songs tonight through Sunday at The Hope of Christmas.

A Hard Candy Christmas at the Denver Rodeo (Saturday, free) Denver drag queens will unite tonight to help the homeless with a holiday drag show. Bring a toy or canned food to donate, and you'll be entered to win a $75 prize at this free event, which comes complete with a food buffet.

Saucy Solstice Soiree at the Mercury Cafe (Saturday, $10) Spend the darkest night of the year enjoying Boulder Burlesque's holiday offering, featuring live music from Ali B and Co. and therapeutic performance art. It's sure to be a fun solstice celebration that may end with green and red pasties.

Denver SantaCon at Cheesman Park (Saturday, free) Don your red suit and a white beard for the annual SantaCon day of Christmas celebration and booze. The fun begins with kickball in the park and continues with karaoke at Armida's and a costume contest at the Irish Rover.

If the bombardment of traditional holiday songs on the radio is getting you down, head to the Kissing Party's annual Christmas Party featuring Wild High and Best Creeps for more offbeat yuletide songs.

Firefly Handmade Holiday Market at the Pearl Street Mall (Saturday-Sunday, $3) Pick up unique holiday gifts this weekend at the Firefly Handmade Holiday Market, which features over sixty artisans and crafters peddling their wares. It's a great opportunity to find one-of-a-kind presents and also support nonprofit Open Arts.

TubaChristmas Concert at Skyline Park (Sunday, free) There are a variety of eclectic choices for holiday music this weekend, but this is one of our favorite traditions. TubaChristmas is exactly what it sounds like: 300 tuba players from all over the metro area blasting out Christmas songs. It's fun -- and loud!